Dental means



Dec. 18, 1962 D. E. THoMPsoN DENTAL MEANS Filed NOV. 12, 1957 FIG. Z

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IN VEN TOR. D. E THOMPSON 3,063,571 DENTAL MEANS Donald E. Thompson, Cunningham, Kans. Filed Nov. 12, 1957, Ser. No. 695,672 14 Claims. (Cl. 'S2-9) This invention relates to dentistry. In a more specific aspect it relates to means to be used in the practice of dentistry. In a still more specific aspect this invention relates to means which is used to spot or mark dentures which are in place in the mouth of a person and in register with the gum and flange portion thereof by transfer of marking material from such gum, ange portion and/ or cheek portion of the mouth. In yet a more speciiic aspect this invention relates to a shaft having dye material thereon which is insertable into the mouth of a person to place such dye material on a spot or area within the mouth of the person, such dye material being transferable to a denture replaced in the mouth of the person.

, The science and practice of dentistry is one of mans oldest arts. There are many devices, structures, and apparatus known and employed by the dentist in practice of this science. The removal of diseased teeth, and their replacement by artificial dentures, both full and partial, has long been a practice in the science of dentistry. These articial dentures commonly and normally have a base portion in the general shape of an inverted channel which fits over the gum portion of the dental patient. The artificial teeth are mounted in this base portion to project outwardly therefrom. The denture channel-like base portion is usually made by casting and molding methods from an impression taken from the patients mouth, this channel-like base portion on the inside having a shape substantially to correspond to a mirror image of the patients natural gum structure. Perfectly fitting a set of artificial dentures or partial artiiicial dentures is diicult because of the manufacturing methods and means, and because of changes in the shape of the patients gum and flange area thereof. A denture, which does not tit substantially perfectly, will in many cases cause sore spots and points of irritation in the mouth of the patient in the gum area, the ange area of the gum, and/or the cheek of the mouth which comes in contact with the dentures. It is the practice to shape and reform the area of the denture which by pressure, etc., has caused and will continue to cause the s'ore spots and points of irritation. However, it is diiiicult to locate `the spot or area of the denture base and flange which is causing the irritation to the patient, because there is little or no visible marking on the inside of the base or ange portion of the denture or along the edge thereof. On the other hand in many instances, the patient and dentist can tell visually and by feel just the spot or area in the patients mouth which is sore and irritated. I have invented means which can be used to mark the sore and irritated spots in the patients mouth, the marking material placed thereon being transferable to the denture causing the irritation when it is replaced in the mouth ofthe patient. Thus, the dentist can look at the denture removed from the patients mouth and see the spot or area thereon which has been marked and which is causing the irritation. The new means of my invention is'very advantageous. It is very easy and economical to manufacture and merchandise, so economical and inexpensive that it can be thrown away after one use so as Staes atent 3,068,571 Patented Dec. 18, 1962 ice dentures which cause irritation and sore areas in they mouth of dental patients.

The new denture marking means of my invention has a shaft. This shaft is preferably long and narrow, and can conveniently be made of Wood. One end portion of the shaft has a non-toxic, water soluble dye material thereon. The denture marking means is constructed and adapted to mark the spot in the -mouth of a person with the dye suiiiciently to in turn mark a denture or impression with some of the dye on replacing same in the mouth of the person or .patient being treated.

It is an object of my invention to provide new dental means. v

It is another object of my invention to provide means whereby a spot or area in the mouth of a dental patient can be marked with a dye material to in turn mark a spot or area on a denture or impression replaced in the mouth of the dental patient.

It is a further object of my invention to provide new marking means which can conveniently be used to locate the spot or area of a denture which is causing irritation or soreness in the mouth of a patient when wearing the denture, such marking means being inexpensive and disposable after use only once, and which can be easily made and stored in sterile condition prior to use. l Other objects and advantages of the new dental marking means of my invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Drawings accompany and are a part of ythis disclosure. These drawings depict preferred specific embodiments of the new denture marking means of my invention, and .1t 1s to be understood that such are not to unduly limit the scope of my invention.

partly cut away of another preferred specific embodiment of the denture marking means of my invention.

FIG.` 4 is an enlarged longitudinal cross section view through the tip end portion of the specific embodiment of my new denture marking means shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is .a longitudinal cross section View of the tip end portion of another preferred specific embodiment of the new denture marking means of my invention.

Following is a discussion and description of the new denture marking means of my invention made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numeral-s are used to indicate the same or similar structure and materials. The discussion and description is of preferred specific embodiments of the new denture marking means of my invention, and it is to be understood that 3 shown a preferred specific embodiment of the new denture marking means of my invention. In this embodiment 7, a preferably elongated small wood shaft 9 is used. As is the case with all my preferred embodiments, prefer that shaft 9 'be in the range of 21/2 to 31/2 inches long, most preferably 2% or 3 inches, and I prefer that the shaft 9 have a diameter in the range of 1/10 to 1/15 of an inch, preferably about V12 of an inch in diameter. Of course, the shaft can be any configuration desired, such as square or rectangular in cross section, as Well as the preferred round shaft shown in the drawings. The tip end portion of the shaft 9 is preferably coated with a thin, impervious layer of a material which seals the pores in the wood. ThisV sealing material is indicated by the numeral 11. I have found it convenient to use waxes tor this, for example, paraflin wax, or other materials are suitable, such as drying oils, for example, linseed oil, tung oil, soya bean o il, and the like, shellac, varnish, plastic materials, and the like. It is preferred that the sealing material 11 be colored or dyed a color contrasting to that of wood shaft 9 and the color of the very outer tip of water soluble, non-toxic dye material, discussed hereinafter. The contrasting colors are beneficial, since the dental practitioner can readily see that the portion of the denture marker 7 having the dye is brought into contact with the desired spot or area in the mouth of the patient. The dyeor coloring material for the sealing material 11 can Vreadily be mixed in with the sealing material prior to putting same on shaft 9.

`Waxes, `such as paran wax, can conveniently -be placed on shaft 9 byV dipping the end of the shaft in the hot molten wax, followed preferably by wiping off excess wax while still molten, and followed by letting the wax harden in air. This procedure has also been found satisfactory for usingthe drying oils, and plastic materials. Shellac and varnishcan be placed thereon by dipping, or spraying, as can be the other materials. Sealing the pores in the Wood by placing thereon the sealing material has been found particularly advantageous from the standpoint of preventing capillary action so that the solvent for the marking dye placed thereon will not be carried up or run up the shaft 9. A. much neater and reliable, marking means is thus produced.

An outer or tip end portion of the shaft 9 portion coveredwith sealing material 11 is in turncovered with a relatively thin layerY of apreferably non-toxic, water soluble dye'. This is indicated by numeral 13. While it is preferred that la water soluble dye be employed, it is also desirable that the dye beY soluble in alcohols, since it is more easily placed on the end of the marking device rapidly. Alcohol will evaporate much faster, and Ihve found it desirable to dip the marking means 7 to place the dye 13 thereon. It is preferable to mix a rather concentrated solution orlmixture ofthe dye material and alcohol, followed lby dipping the end of the shaft 9 having the sealing material 11 thereon into the solution or mixture'. Oven drying or air drying to evaporate the alcohol has beenfound satisfactory, leaving the dye -niaterialdeposited on the tip. Asrmentioned hereinbefore, it'is desirable that. the dye 13 be a color contrasting'to the color of sealing material 11. Also,

it is 'preferredthat the dye material 13 be 'a color which is readily seen on the'baseportion oran'ge of the denture 'of the' dental patient. In full dentures, and those'` which replace a 'substantial portion of the natural teeth, this baseer flange portion is usually a shadeofY pink. Silver, gold,'platinum and stainless steel'colored base and flange portions of dentures are also used. Desirable and preferable dye materials fare readily available,

i such as methyl violet, sometimes calledv gentian violet, preferably the mixture of hexaand pentamethylparayosaniline hydrochloride, malachite green, a triphenylmethanedye, either the zinc double chloride, oxalate, or ferrie' double chloride of tetrarnethyl-parafaminotriphem ylcarbinol, mixtures of these, and the like. These have been found to work well, giving a good contrast for the dentist to see. They are very readily soluble in alcohol, and their water solubility is good for transferring dye to the sore spot or area in the patients mouth when touched with the tip end of the marking means 7 having the dye material 13 thereon.

In FIG. 2 is shown another preferred specific embodiment of the new denture marking means of my invention. In this embodiment preferably small and elongated Wood shaft 9 has a composition on a tip end portion thereof, indicated by numeral 1S. This composition 15 is comparable to the dye material tip portion 13 of the embodiment of FIG. l, that is in use. ing portion or composition 1S in this instance is preferably a mixture of glue and dye material. Preferably the glue is a casein glue having a water or alcohol base. The dye material which can be the same as the dye material 13 is mixed with a casein glue colloid in Water and/or alcohol. The tip end of wood shaft 9 is then dipped into the dyed casein glue. Upon hardening, composition 15 adheres to the end of wood shaft 9. This portion 15 is touched to the sore spot or area of irritation in the dental patients mouth to dye same prior to placing or replacing the denture into the patients mouth for in turn marking same with dye in the patients mouth. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 a sealing material coat similar to sealing material 11, can be placed on the end portion of shaft 9 prior to dipping the shaft in the dyed casein glue, if desired,

In FIG. 3 is shown another preferred specific embodi- `ment'of the new denture marking means of my invention.

In this embodiment preferably long and narrow wood shaft 9 is rst clipped in a relatively hard wax material, preferably common sealing Wax, which is allowed to harden slightly. This is indicated as numeral 17 on FIG. 3. The outer tip of sealing wax material 17 prior to hardening is touched to the dye material in powdered form, or to a granular material having the dye absorbed therein or mixed therewith. This dye material or material having the dye therewith is indicated by numeral 19. The dye materials, as set forth hereinbefore, can conveniently be employed and are preferred. Methyl violet and/or malachitegreen in powdered granulated form can be picked up and adhered to the end of the marking means by the sealing wax 17 prior to hardening of same. Graphite, charcoal, and the like, colored with or in admlixture with the dye materials in granulated form can also be used, if desired. In this embodiment there is no need for or advantage gained from coating the tip end portion of wood shaft 9 with the sealing material prior to dipping in the sealing wax. In both the 4embodiment shown in FIGS. Z-and 3, shaft 9 can convenientlybe made of materials other than wood, for example, plastic, or compositions of wood and plastic. Whena non-porous shaft material 9 is employed, there is no necessity or desire to seal the tip end portion of the shaft with sealing material 11 to prevent capillary action in regard to the solvent for the dye, and/ or the glue and dye.

FIG. 5 shows a preferred specific embodiment of the new marking means of my invention using a preferably along and narrow plastic shaft 21. In this embodiment the sealing material is not used, since the shaft 21 would not be porous to create a possibility of capillary action. The tip end portion of plastic shaft 21 is coated with a dye material 13, which rcan Vconveniently preferably he the same dyesA setforth hereinbefore. The embodiment of FIGS "isvpreferablyr made by dipping the tip end portion ofshaft` 21 in a lsolution of theV dye material,

preferably again ianalcoliol solution of the dye highly conce,ntr'atediV Upon dryingthc dye is then deposited on theendf of shaft 21 after evaporation of the alcohol solvent.

In use the tip end portion of the marking means having the dye material is touched to the sore spot or irritated area in the mouth of the patient. 'Ihe sore spots or irritations are normally on the ridge area of the edentulous mouth or in the denture iiange area of the mouth. After touching and marking with the dye, the denture is immediately replaced in the mouth. The spotted or marked mouth sore spot will then mark the denture. Upon removing the denture from the mouth, the dentist can easily see the dye marking on the denture. In fitting dentures, particularly full upper or lower impressions, I have found my new denture marking means to be very valuable. The marker or applicator can readily be used either on the impression or the mouth tissue, to aid in determining alterations of the periphery of the impression. Also, it is advantageous to mark the mouth of the patient for the back limit of the denture, particularly for the posterior limit of the upper impression. The new marking means of my invention has been successfully used to mark either the mouth or the impression for making the denture or the denture itself. From practice, I have found that when patients present a profuse flow of viscous saliva, time may be saved and a better job can be done, if -the mouth of the patient is first sprayed or forcefully rinsed with a mouth wash prior to use of the marking means or applicator of my invention. Also, I have found in practice that the spot or area of the mouth to be marked with the dye can be moistened with water, if the saliva in the mouth of the patient is not in sufficient amount.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, various modifications of this invention can be made, or followed, in the light of this disclosure and discussion, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure or from the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising, an elongated wood shaft, a tip end portion of said shaft, being rigid and coated with a thin, impervious layer of paraffin wax with the pores of the wood in said tip end portion being lled with said waX to seal same, and said wax having a non-toxic coloring dye therewith, and a tip end portion of the parafin wax coated end portion of said shaft coated with a thin rigid layer of a non-toxic, water soluble dye contrasting in color with the color of the visible portion of said paraffin wax, said dye being readily transferable from said tip end portion of said shaft to the gum of an individual upon contact therewith and transferable from said gum to a denture or impression when placed in contact therewith, said dye being markedly contrasting in color with said denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapted to be held by a person in the other end portion of said shaft with said tip end portion in the mouth of another person to mark a spot therein with said water soluble dye upon touching said tip dye to said spot, said marking being sufficient to subsequently transfer dye from said spot to a denture or impression replaced in said mouth of said last-named person.

2. The denture marking means of claim 1 wherein said water soluble dye is methyl violet.

3. The denture marking means of claim 1 wherein said water soluble dye is malachite green.

4. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising, a wood shaft, a tip end portion of said shaft being rigid and coated with a material to seal the pores in the wood, and a tip end portion of said coated end portion of said shaft coated with a rigid layer of a water soluble and non-toxic dye, said dye being readily transferable from said tip end portion of said shaft to the gums of a person and from the gums to a denture or impression placed in contact therewith, said dye being markedly contrasting in color with said denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapted to mark a spot in the mouth of a person with said dye suciently to transfer a portion of said dye and mark a denture or impression with some of said dye upon replacing same in said mouth of said person.

5. The denture marking means of claim 4 wherein said dye is methyl violet.

6. The denture marking means of claim 4 wherein said dye is malachite green.

7. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising, a wood shaft, a tip end portion of said wood shaft being rigid and having thereon a rigid head of an admixture of casein glue and a non-toxic, water soluble dye, said dye being readily transferable from said head upon contact with a moist surface in the mouth of a person and transferable from said surface upon contact with a denture or impression, said dye being markedly contrasting in color with ysaid denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapte-d to mark a spot in the mouth of a person with said dye sufficiently to transfer said dye to mark a denture or impression with some of said dye upon replacing same in said mouth of said person.

8. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising, a wood shaft, a tip end portion of said wood shaft being rigid and having a head of sealing wax, said head of sealing wax being tipped with a rigid layer of an admixture of graphite and a non-toxic, water soluble dye, said dye being readily transferable upon contact with a moist surface in the mouth of a person and transferable from said surface upon contact with a denture or an impression, said dye being markedly contrasting in color with said denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapted to mark a spot in the mouth of a person with said dye sufficiently to mark a denture or impression with some of said dye upon replacing same in said mouth of said person.

9. The denture marking means of claim 7 wherein said dye is methyl violet.

10. The denture marking means of claim 8 wherein said dye is methyl violet.

11. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising a shaft of plastic material, a tip end portion of said shaft of plastic material being rigid and being coated with a rigid layer of a non-toxic, water soluble dye, said dye being readily transferable upon contact with a moist sur-face and markedly contrasting in color with a denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapted to mark a spot in the mouth of a person with said dye suliciently to mark an impression or denture with some of said dye upon replacing same in said mouth of said person.

12. The denture marking means of claim 11 wherein said dye is methyl violet.

13. Denture marking means for marking a pink colored denture or impression comprising, a shaft substantially rigid throughout its length, one end portion of said shaft being rigid and having a rigid layer of non-toxic, water soluble dye deposited on the outside thereof, said dye being readily soluble in saliva and markedly contrasting in color with a pink denture or impression, and said marking means being constructed and adapted to mark a spot in the mouth of a person with said `dye suiciently to mark a denture or impression with some of said dye upon replacing same in said mouth of said person.

14. Denture marking means for locating irregularities on a pink colored denture or impression comprising a shaft of wood, a tip end portion of said shaft of wood being rigid and being coated with a rigid layer of a nontoxic, water soluble dye, said dye being readily soluble in saliva and markedly contrasting in color with a pink denture or impression, and said marking means being 7 constructed and adapted to mark a `spot in the mouth of a person with said dye suciently to mark an impression or denture with smeof said dye upon replacing same in Seid mmh of said persen.

Swett Oct. 1, 1918 Hullister July 8, 1919 8 Shepherd Nov. 30, 19261 Forbis Dec. 6, 1927 Dorman et a1. Oct. 9, 1928 Fidelma'n Dec. 6, 1938 Cofn Dec. 25, 1945 OTHER REFERENCES 

